Jim Cornette Delivers Brutal Prediction For Kofi & Austin Creed In AEW

Jim Cornette Predicts Long-Term AEW Trajectory For Kofi & Creed

Jim Cornette shared his thoughts on the recent arrival of Kofi and Austin Creed in All Elite Wrestling, offering a candid assessment of their decision to leave WWE and what lies ahead for The New Level.

Speaking on his podcast alongside co-host Brian Last, Cornette addressed reports regarding contract negotiations, highlighting claims that WWE requested a pay cut exceeding 50% for the veteran duo.

Understanding The Business Decision Behind The Move

Cornette explained that while he understands WWE’s perspective on scaling back contract offers for long-tenured talent, he equally supports Kingston and Creed’s choice to seek top-market compensation elsewhere.

“I can understand that, and I can also understand if you’ve been making that good of money for that period of time or a good period of time, and they say, ‘Well, we’re just going to give you less than half.’ You just go, ‘Even if you just went home,’” Cornette stated.

He noted that AEW President Tony Khan was willing to meet their financial expectations, making the move a logical step for both performers at this point in their careers.

“They’re not going to become bigger stars than they are right now, but they’re going to make a lot more money than they would if they’d have stayed in the WWE, and they’re not as young as they used to be,” Cornette said.

“Just Another Cog” — Cornette Warns Of Long-Term AEW Trajectory

Comparing their career transition to former WWE talent moving to TNA during earlier eras, Cornette suggested that while Kingston and Creed will benefit financially and enjoy working alongside personal friends, their mainstream reach is unlikely to expand beyond its current peak.

“They had to make a trade. They know that they’re not going to enhance their, the public image of their wrestling career to the general population by going to AEW,” Cornette explained.

Despite acknowledging the initial fan enthusiasm following their debut at All In: London—where they captured the AEW World Trios Championships alongside Swerve Strickland—Cornette expressed skepticism regarding their long-term presentation once the novelty fades.

“I think it worked out the best for everybody. New Day keep on making the money. The AEW gets a new attraction until they make them just two of the boys. And the WWE didn’t need them and they, it was stale there, and they didn’t want them for that much money. So, everybody got what they want,” Cornette concluded. “We’ll see how long it takes for them to be just another cog in the flywheel of AEW.”

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